25 Cookout Side Dishes for a Summer Full of Tasty Surprises

These cookout side dishes are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. They include salsas, salads, tacos, and other summer favorites.

Explore new side dishes and create something wonderful for your loved ones.

These creations are quick to prepare and can be made in advance, reducing stress on the day of your event.

Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is a vibrant option that bursts with flavors from cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame.

Its crisp and cool texture makes it perfect for hot summer days. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad

Baked Brie with Garlic

This delicious side dish includes Brie cheese wheel, garlic, thyme, black truffle oil, and crackers.

To prepare, bake the Brie with sliced garlic until it’s soft and bubbly. Then, serve it on a wooden cheese board with sliced baguette and fresh fruits.

Get The Recipe: Baked Brie with Garlic

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Summer salsas are delicious, shareable, and fun to make.

This zesty side dish is great for every cookout, with red onions, peppers, lemon juice, and a bit of salt. Serve it with tortilla chips or your favorite grilled meats.

Get The Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

These little bites are bursting with flavor from the smoky bacon and the sweet brown sugar glaze.

Main ingredients are cocktail sausages, bacon, brown sugar, and butter. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

These savory treats offer a cheesy flavor with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pork sausage, and baking mix.

To make them, mix all the ingredients together, form into balls, and bake until golden brown. Pair it with a fresh green salad or pickled veggies.

Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta

Prepare the most satisfying summer side dishes with fresh greens.

This dish combines savory prosciutto, peppery arugula, and creamy mascarpone. These can be served with a light, sparkling wine or alongside a tomato basil salad.

Get The Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta

Deviled Eggs with Relish

Here’s a wonderful twist on classic deviled eggs.

It includes the crunchy tang of pickle relish, alongside eggs, mayo, and mustard. Sprinkle them with paprika and serve on a colorful platter.

Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Relish

Gluten Free Stuffed Mushrooms

Gluten-free meals don’t have to be boring. They can be as delicious as your meaty favorites.

Try this recipe. Just stuff the mushroom caps with the filling and bake until golden brown.

Get The Recipe: Gluten Free Stuffed Mushrooms

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Casseroles are not only delicious and versatile but also easy to prepare in advance.

They are shareable, making them perfect for serving a crowd. This recipe can be prepared in less than an hour and serves eight people.

Get The Recipe: Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Hot Girl Summer Salad

Make a salad with a refreshing mix of fresh vegetables.

This summer treat includes hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, bell peppers, honey, red wine vinegar, and red onions. Pair it with grilled seafood or a light sandwich.

Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad

Accordion Potatoes

Making these accordion potatoes is easier than you think. Slice the potatoes thinly without cutting all the way through, season, and bake until golden brown.

Then, serve them on a platter with sprigs of rosemary for a beautiful touch.

Get The Recipe: Accordion Potatoes

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Beet Flatbread

This beet flatbread is an elegant addition to any cookout menu.

The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs wonderfully with tangy goat cheese and fresh arugula. Cut it into slices for easy sharing.

Get The Recipe: Beet Flatbread

Jerusalem Salad

This salad features cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, dressed in lemon juice and olive oil, with a hint of fresh parsley.

To make it, simply chop the vegetables and toss with the dressing. You can prepare this in just 10 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Jerusalem Salad

Pickled Pineapple

Craving pineapples but not in the mood for a sweet tropical dessert?

Check out this simple side dish made with fresh pineapple, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It pairs well with grilled pork or chicken, adding a sweet and tangy contrast.

Get The Recipe: Pickled Pineapple

Jackfruit Tacos

Even vegan creations can make a huge, delicious impact on your summer gathering. Everyone will love this dish.

The jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork and is infused with smoky, spicy flavors.

Get The Recipe: Jackfruit Tacos

Italian Tortellini Salad

This salad features cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant veggies, and a zesty Italian dressing. It also includes salami, parmesan, and parsley.

You’ll love how refreshing, hearty, and easy it is.

Get The Recipe: Italian Tortellini Salad

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

These potatoes can add a smoky, sweet flavor to cookout spreads.

The tender potatoes are infused with a subtle smoky taste, with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and butter. Serve them on a rustic platter, garnished with fresh herbs.

Get The Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Arugula Salad & Balsamic Vinaigrette

Salads are versatile and can be easily customized for different tastes and diets.

This arugula salad is easy and delicious, but feel free to tweak this recipe to include some of your favorite summer veggies.

Get The Recipe: Arugula Salad & Balsamic Vinaigrette

Smoked Baked Beans

Add a smoky flavor to your summer party with these baked beans.

This hearty side dish is packed with tender beans, bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce that makes it a standout. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Get The Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans

Mediterranean Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Your meat-lover friends will fall in love with these veggie kabobs.

They include mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Skewer them and grill until tender and slightly charred. Making these is so fun and easy.

Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

This tzatziki cucumber salad combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with the garlicky goodness of tzatziki sauce.

It only requires Greek yogurt, lemon zest, red onions, and a few other simple ingredients. It’s simple to make yet so flavorful and refreshing.

Get The Recipe: Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

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Roasted Radishes With Chimichurri

Introduce a unique twist to your cookout with these roasted radishes.

These radishes are roasted to perfection and offer a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, complemented by the herby and tangy chimichurri sauce.

Get The Recipe: Roasted Radishes With Chimichurri

Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad

We love every summer dish with corn and tomatoes. This one comes with al dente pasta, all tossed in a light and zesty dressing.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves and other fresh herbs.

Get The Recipe: Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad

Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa

Spice up your summer barbecues with this salsa, a smoky addition that’s sure to impress.

This salsa blends the tangy taste of tomatillos with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. It can add a spicy kick to your favorite meals.

Get The Recipe: Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa

Cold Broccoli Salad

Here’s a crunchy and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for warm weather cookouts.

It features fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together. It pairs beautifully with grilled burgers.

Get The Recipe: Cold Broccoli Salad

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It’s a great idea to explore a variety of flavors beyond the usual corn and tomatoes.

Consider basil, mint, cilantro, and other fresh herbs to add a burst of freshness to your meals.

Don’t be afraid to mix sweet and savory elements, such as pairing fruits like watermelon or mango with cheeses or herbs.